Nemo - Most Famous War Dog

Despite losing an
eye to gunfire, he threw himself on 4 Viet Cong to save his handler in 1966.
Both survived. One of the few Vietnam War Dogs given passage back home to
the United States.

Nemo

He was the first hero of his kind to return from the Vietnam War.
The welcoming committee watched him walk down the ramp of the plane that had
just landed at Kelly Air Force Base. He was wounded-his right eye was missing
and a scar ran from below his right eye socket to his mouth. But his wounds
weren't what made him different from other returning Vietnam veterans because
he was a dog.

Vietnam's sentry dogs were brave and fearless. Their efforts to
help root out the Vietcong earned them the name "guided muzzles." Of
the many dogs that served their country in this war, Nemo is probably the
most famous.

The Air Force bought Nemo from an Air Force sergeant in the summer
of 1964. The two year old black and tan German Shepherd received sentry dog
training at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas. His serial number, A534, was
tattooed in his left ear and, in January 1966, he was sent to Vietnam.

Nemo and his partner became one of several sentry dog teams
belonging to the 377th Air Police Squadron at Tan Son Nut Air Base near Saigon.
These teams made up the base's first line of defense against the Vietcong. Each
man and his dog spent the night alone patrolling an assigned area at the
perimeter of the base.

The sentry dog team's job was to spot and get rid of any Vietcong
intruders. The enemy wanted to destroy the strategic base's aircraft and
facilities. The sentry dog teams job was to see that this didnít happen.

With their keen senses, the dogs were usually the first to detect
trouble. When something wasn't right, a sentry dog would make his master aware
of it. He could do this with a look or movement. The security policeman would
then notify the Central Security Control (CSC) of the possibility of trouble.
Then the team would move in to investigate, with the dog in the lead. If it
turned out to be the enemy, the handler would inform the CSC. Then the CSC
immediately sent backup to assist man and his dog.

In July, Nemo's original handler returned to the States. The dog
was then paired with 22 year old Airman Second Class Robert Thorneburg.The two worked well together. This was
important because their lives depended on each other. And the lives of everyone
else on the base depended on them. This became painfully obvious on December 3rd,
1966.

In an early pre-dawn attack, two Vietcong units tried to infiltrate
the base. The sentry dog teams got out word of the invasion. The 377th fought
hard. It was a long grueling battle. Finally, after 7 long hours, the base was
once again securely in American hands. But the victory came at a cost. Three
airmen and their dogs had died in the fighting.

The next day, Thorneburg reported for duty 3 hours early. That was
usual procedure. Handlers spent that time visiting their dogs, checking for any
scratches, bites, or sores, and generally looking after their partners.

The sentry dog teams that climbed into the back of the army truck
that night were quieter than usual. Many of the soldiers were thinking about
the events of the previous night. They were saddened by the loss of their
fellow soldiers. They were also anxious about what awaited them on their
patrols. There was a good chance that stragglers from the previous night's
invasion could still be out there.

Thorneburg and Nemo pulled duty near an old Vietnamese graveyard
about a quarter mile from the air base's runways. They got out and began
patrolling, side by side. They walked around the old grave markers and looked
out the elephant grass that grew taller than a man's head.

It was a clear, starlit night. Nemo paused by a shadowy Vietnamese
shrine. Thorneburg studied his dog. Nemo's eyes were glistening. His ears had
perked up. The fur around his neck was standing on end. Thorneburg could tell
that Nemo sensed something was out there. But before the handler could radio
the CSC, that "something" opened fire. A bullet struck Thorneburg in
the shoulder. Nemo was shot in the muzzle. The bullet entered under his right
eye and exited through his mouth.

That might have been the sad end of the story. But Nemo refused to
give in without a fight. Ignoring his serious head wound, the 85-pound dog
threw himself at the four Vietcong guerrillas who had opened fire. Nemo's
ferocious attack brought Thorneburg the time he needed to call in backup
forces. These troops came in and took care of the guerillas. Then they rushed
Thorneburg and Nemo back to the center of the base for emergency medical care.

The base veterinarian performed skin grafts on Nemo's torn up face.
He did a tracheotomy to help the dog breathe. And he had to remove the dog's
right eye, which was hanging uselessly out of its socket.

Thorneburg had to evacuate to the United States Air Force Hospital
at Tachikawa Air Base in Japan to recuperate. The handler and the dog who saved
his life said their final good-byes.Nemo recuperated at Tan Son Nhut. He received many get-well cards from
American children. "Dear Nemo," one read. "I love dogs....I hope
you get well."

After the veterinarian felt Nemo was well enough, the dog was put
back on perimeter duty. But it turned out his wounds needed further treatment.
The Air Force decided to send him home to Lackland, where he could receive the
best possible medical care.

Nemo flew halfway around the world accompanied by returning airman
Melvin W. Bryant. The plane touched down in Japan, Hawaii and California. At
each stop, the Air Force's veterinarians examined the brave dog for signs of
discomfort, stress and fatigue.

Finally, the C124 Globemaster touched down at Kelly Air Force Base,
Texas, on July 22, 1967. Captain Robert M. Sullivan, officer in charge of the
sentry dog training program at Lackland, was head of Nemo's welcome home
committee.

"I have to keep from getting involved with individual dogs in
this program," Sullivan said, "but I can't help feeling a little
emotional about this dog. He shows how valuable a dog is to his handler in
staying alive."

Nemo spent his retirement at the dog training area at Lackland. He
was given a permanent kennel near the veterinary facility. A sign with his
name, serial number, and details of his heroic exploit designated his freshly
painted home.

Nemo died on March 15, 1973. Until then, his presence at Lackland
reminded students just how important a dog is to his handler - and to the
entire unit.

hello
My name is lillian ,i saw your profile today and became interested in you,i will also like to know you the more and i want you to send an email to my privet email address so i can give you my picture for you to know whom i am.
Here is my email address(lilliandon18@yahoo.com) please arrange my email well to contact me back
I believe we can move from here!and remember distance of colour doesn't matter anythig but love matters allot in life.
I am waiting for your mail to my privet email address above.
see your reply soon.
lilliandon18@yahoo.com
lillian

Guest

11-Mar-2009 19:04

After Nemo returned to the states, my father, CMSGT Robert H. Riley, Jr. (Retired) travelled with Nemo to recruit dogs for the military. His most memoriable experience with Nemo was when they appeared on "The Tennessee Ernie Ford" show. Nemo was truly the "star" of the show and the audience loved him. Nemo truly is a war hero.

Roger

11-Nov-2008 20:44

In November 1971, I was in a Patrol Dog Handler Transition course at Lackland AFB, Texas. This course was for Vietnam and Thailand sentry dog handlers to convert to the new Patrol Dog Program that had been implemented in 1969. I remember the class leader was Keith Thornberg. We both petted Nemo at that time. I did not know who the handler was for Nemo for the occurence in Tan Son Nhut. Is Keith a relative of Robert Thornberg?

Guest

18-Oct-2008 17:52

Not to mention, I am doing a report on them both. Proud to be doing that.

SSgt Adam Bearden

18-Oct-2008 17:51

As an MWD Handler, I am proud to be a part of Mr. Thornberg's history along with Nemo.

Brian Throneburg

01-May-2008 17:40

My father is Robert "Spanky" Throneburg. He was Nemo's handler during the base invasion. I wish to thank all involved for their recognition of Nemo and my father. These sites mean so much and help to keep the memories alive of those men and dogs who gave so much in defense of our country and way of life. Thank you for all that you have done and thank you for all the supportive comments post here and at other sites.

Jo-Anne

13-Mar-2008 21:56

A heroic dog who shall always be honored and paid tribute to. A true hero

Guest

07-Mar-2008 18:39

Pretty close to accurate. NEMO was headed for Smithsonian after his death to be preserved, but freezer holding the remains failed and what was left of Nemo was lost. Thanks for recognizing Robert "Spanky" Thronberg he deserves recognition and aso for spelling his name correctly.
Dutchess's handler

Guest

13-Feb-2008 18:15

Beautiful story,beautiful dog,I believe God must have a special place,a paradise for
NEMO because he really was a man's best friend. Romeo.